High elevation home standby generator installation

When Generac home standby generators are installed at high elevation (2,000 ft or 609.6 meters above sea level) there are considerations to be made.

Environment

This article applies to air cooled and liquid cooled home standby generators.

FAQ

Is a mixer adjustment kit or high-altitude kit required?

Under U.S. EPA regulations, a mixer adjustment kit or high-altitude kit may be required for generators operating at high elevation. Operating the generator with the incorrect engine configuration at a given altitude may increase emissions and decrease fuel efficiency and performance. High altitude kits are available for purchase through a Generac authorized service dealer.

• Contact your local Generac service dealer, or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for more details.

 

Do generators produce less power at high elevation?

Maximum kilovolt amps and current are subject to and limited by such factors as fuel BTU/megajoule content, ambient temperature, altitude, along with engine power and condition. Maximum power decreases approximately 3.5% for each 1,000 ft. (304.8 meters) above sea level.

Simply put, a generator's power decreases at higher elevations primarily because the thinner air at higher altitudes contains less oxygen, which limits the combustion process within the engine, resulting in reduced power output.